Neo4j: The Definitive Guide

Want to improve Cypher query performance or model connected data to support real business needs? Neo4j, the world’s leading native graph database, can help. Used in fraud detection, recommendation systems, and knowledge graphs, Neo4j powers data-intensive applications at scale.

This practical guide shows you how to apply Neo4j from proof of concept to production. Authors Luanne Misquitta and Christophe Willemsen draw from years of hands-on experience to help you make smart decisions throughout the implementation journey.

Whether you’re a developer, architect, or data professional, this book equips you to make informed choices and avoid common pitfalls. With the growing importance of connected data and AI, now is the time to build graph systems that deliver clarity, insight, and lasting value. By the end of this book, you’ll know how to:

• Design data models that support performance and clarity

• Make informed choices during the proof-of-concept phase

• Reevaluate and tune your setup as you move to production

• Configure Neo4j for reliability, monitoring, and observability

• Integrate graphs into enterprise architectures

“This book is the best contemporary guide to building production-ready Neo4j systems. It is written by objective, hands-on experts who know Neo4j inside and out and can show you both the promise and how to sidestep any pitfalls. It is essential reading for graph database professionals.”

Jim Webber -Chief scientist, Neo4j

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. How to Get Value from Graphs in Just Five Days

Chapter 2. Importing (Much) More Data

Chapter 3. Revisiting Modeling Decisions

Chapter 4. Modeling and Refactoring Patterns

Chapter 5. Query Analysis and Tuning

Chapter 6. Securing Your Database

Chapter 7. Search

Chapter 8. Advanced Graph Patterns

Chapter 9. Backup and Restore

Chapter 10. Clustering and Sharding

Chapter 11. Observability

Chapter 12. Practical Graph Data Science

Chapter 13. The Future of Graphs with Generative AI

About the Author

Luanne Misquitta is a leading Neo4j expert with over a decade of hands-on experience modeling connected data, optimizing Cypher queries, and building production-ready graph solutions. She contributed to open source projects like Neo4j OGM and Spring Data, and led the engineering effort to build the graph analytics platform Hume. She is a frequent speaker, writer, and advocate for graph thinking.

Christophe Willemsen is recognized worldwide as an authority in graph technology and a driving force behind innovative applications of connected data. He architected the early versions of the Hume platform, designed solutions for mission-critical investigations, and continues to push the boundaries of graph analytics. He regularly shares his insights through talks, technical writing, and community contributions.